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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
AT least 153 new arrivals have been registered at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge this year.
The swelling in the number of refugees is attributed to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo where rebels displaced thousands of people in the vast country last year.
The Manica Post last week witnessed long winding queues of foreigners at the camp administration offices as they seek to regularise their stay in the country.
In an interview, Tongogara Refugee Camp administrator, Mr Johane Mhlanga said the camp recently recorded an increase in the number of asylum seekers.
“The camp has registered more than 150 new arrivals between January and March this year, which is an increase when compared to the same period last year.
“The camp is also recording more new births. Our recent statistics show that over 90 babies were born recently, hence the number of refugees is continuing to grow,” said Mr Mhlanga.
Tongogara is a home to over 15 400 refugees, mainly from DRC, Rwanda, Mozambique and Burundi.
In a move to ease the pressure on social amenities at Tongogara Refugees Camp, Mr Mhlanga said they are embarking on various projects implemented by Government and development partners.
“Our primary school is one of the biggest schools in the district, with a total enrolment of over 2 000 learners. The local authority has responded well and constructed a new classroom block through devolution funds.
“This development will help refugees and the host community’s children to access quality education,” he said.
In ensuring food security, Mr Mhlanga said the camp, together with various partners, is expanding the small holder plot programmes to accommodate the local community and inmates.
“The camp, together with development partners, is parcelling out small farms to inmates and the host community. This project is meant to wean them from the donor dependence syndrome,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr John Lumande from DRC, said the small farms project is a game changer to his life in the camp.
“I am now a proud owner of a small plot at Tongogara Refugee Camp. As a refugee, I cannot look for work outside the camp because of my status which does not allow that. We used to rely on handouts from development partners, but this was not enough for my family.
“Now my irrigation plot will change my life since I will be able to sell part of my produce and get extra income,” he said.
Online Reporter